35 Drivers Caught Drunk Behind the Wheel in 24 Hours, Over 19 Thousand Cars Checked

Within the past day, a total of 35 people were found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, according to preliminary results from the specialized police operation for compliance with the Road Traffic Act, the Interior Ministry press center reports. A total of 17 were driving after consuming alcohol between 0.5 and 1.2 per mille, another 18 - with over 1.2 per mille, and one refused testing. 13 were caught driving under the influence of narcotic substances or their analogues, and six refused testing.

During the past day, just over 19 thousand vehicles were checked, the Interior Ministry statement says. Control was carried out on 22,956 drivers and passengers. 5526 tickets and 469 administrative violation reports were issued.

The focus of the operation is to prevent driving by drivers who have consumed alcohol, narcotic substances and/or their analogues, as well as driving by unqualified drivers.

An organization has been created within all Interior Ministry structures to ensure peaceful holidays, and the specialized operation of the "Road Police" is part of the measures taken for the normal conduct of the upcoming Easter holidays, the police announced on Friday.